Main Review
Very often in Christian music, female vocalists get much of the attention as far as gifts and vocal ability goes. There are
the Natalie Grants, Nicole C Mullens and Francesca Battistellis out there, whose vocals are distinct and powerful. When
you move into the realm of male vocalists, there some notables as well. You have David Phelps. Travis Cottrell and then
you have former Newsong lead vocalist Michael O'Brien, which perhaps is my favorite. I still like Newsong, but the group
without O'Brien has never been the same, something I know a lot of fans have sorely missed. But fret not, Michael is still
singing and he's still recording music and it just so happens he just released his new solo record, and the piano ballad
laden project, Be Still My Soul.
When I first talked with Michael about the album late last year, I asked him what the concept was with this particular
record. His answer was that it was an album that was best enjoyed sitting in the peace and quiet. Allow yourself to be
immersed in the music. In essence, the album's title Be Still My Soul says it all. Michael's album bio explains it well
when it says... " Jesus is the only source, whether your crises are minute or monumental... Are you out of a job wondering
how the mortgage will get paid? Be still. Has your husband or wife just confessed to you that he/she is having an
emotional affair? Be still. Did you discover that your teen-aged son has been downloading pornography? Be still. Have
you been suffering from chronic pain and it has robbed all your joy? Be still. Are you being persecuted for righteousness
sake, because you have lovingly confronted sin? Be still."
I think the particular focus of this record could stand as a testimony to Michael's own life, in which he has struggled with
depression in past time, even at one point contemplating taking his own life by suicide. It could have been an easy
undertaking, considering he had lost a few family members to suicide at that point. I can only imagine, that during those
times of hopelessness for Michael, the only voice he could hear came from the Lord God Almighty saying "Be still Michael,
and know that I AM GOD". You can check out Michael's amazing video testimony here.
The old hymns are a center-piece on this project with Michael covering a few of the masterpieces of the past including
one the oldest known hymns, the title track, "Be Still My Soul", which was penned in 1752 by German-born Katharina Von
Schlegel. O'Brien covers one of my personal favorites in "This Is My Story", which of course is from the hymn, "Blessed
Assurance" written by (in my opinion) the greatest hymn-writer of them all, Frances Jane Crosby, aka "Fanny Crosby".
This particular track I think really gives the listener, especially one who might not be as familiar with O'Brien, a glimpse at
the sheer majesty of his voice, as well does one of the last tracks on the album, "The Lord's Prayer".
Be Still My Soul also offers a glimpse into the musical and vocal talents of Michael's family as well. He does a duet with
his oldest daughter Meghan, who lends her amazing vocals on one of my favorite Newsong tracks, "I'll Rise". Do I see
another O'Brien with a bright future in Christian music? His son Joseph performs a moving vocal on the short, yet lively
track "Humility" and let's not forget the love of Michael's life (second to Jesus) and I think he would agree - his "better half"
- his wife Heidi on the track "I Want To Know You More".
This album definitely fits on my list of "Top Albums of 2010" and once you listen to it, you'll know exactly why. :-)
Closing Thoughts
Great follow-up to 2007's Something About Us, and in my opinion, hands-down the best work that Michael has put out in
years! Whether you are looking for something that will move you, encourage, bless or entertain, Be Still My Soul is the
perfect album to just sit back and listen to and ponder on the wonderful things that the Lord has done in your life. This
album is another reason and perfect example of why Michael O'Brien is seen as one of the most gifted vocalists in all of
Christian music. Be Still My Soul just goes to prove that that view was not handed to him, but something he has earned.
Don't miss out on this album, it's one that will compliment any music collection!
Review Written By: Jay Heilman [jay.heilman@christianmusicreview.org] on 9/30/2010
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